Essential Recap of Chainsaw Man Season 1 Before Watching the Masterful Chainsaw Man Movie - Reze Arc
- The Wright Girl
- Oct 28
- 6 min read
With Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc having premiered this past Friday, October 24th in select theaters, fans who haven't seen it yet are buzzing with excitement, while those who have are full of praise, discussing how it masterfully expands on the beloved and popular series. The anticipation for this film had already reached a fever pitch, as viewers eagerly awaited the next installment in Denji’s chaotic and enthralling adventures. It had already been two long years since the anime first premiered and quickly gained a reputation for its unique blend of startling horror, intense action, and dark humor, along with a plot that kept us all on the edge of our seats. The series was a wild experience that deeply resonated with anime newcomers and enthusiasts alike. With the new movie out, however, it's time we prepare for the next chapter of Denji's wild journey by recapping on the first season for those who do not wish to rewatch it. Therefore, The Wright Anime is here to provide an essential recap regarding some pivotal moments from Season 1 that have shaped and propelled the story and characters we know and love.
The World of Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man presents a haunting reality where devils thrive on human fears. The initial story revolves around Denji, a young man drowning in debt and yearning for a better life. He worked tirelessly as a devil hunter with his pet devil, Pochita, who acts as a chainsaw weapon. This original premise sets the stage for a gripping tale filled with adrenaline, unexpected turns, and deep emotional stakes.
Key Characters
Before diving into the story, let’s recall some key characters:
Denji: Our main hero, who dreams of a simple life but gets caught up in the dangerous world of devil hunting.
Pochita: Denji's devoted pet devil who later sacrifices himself, enabling Denji to transform into Chainsaw Man.
Makima: The enigmatic and manipulative head of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, who has her eyes set on Denji.
Power: A fierce and chaotic devil who becomes Denji's ally, creating a dynamic friendship filled with excitement.
Aki: A stoic but helpful Devil Hunter that allows Denji to join his team.
Major Plot Points
Denji's Companion & Transformation
Season 1 begins with Denji living a harsh and grueling life as a devil hunter, a profession that is both dangerous and thankless. At a very young age, Denji is burdened by the overwhelming weight of his late father's significant debt, amounting to ¥38 million (which translates to over $350,000), a sum that feels insurmountable for someone that only knows poverty. Yet as life would have it, a small chainsaw devil that was bleeding out nearby his father's grave initially seemed ready to kill young Denji. That is, until Denji himself offers his blood to save the devil. In that moment, a contract is made between the two, and they become inseparable companions that care for one another, with the devil taking on the name Pochita. In order to survive, he and Pochita fight together to pay off the debt owed. However, his mundane and bleak life takes a drastic and fatal turn when he is tricked to appear in an abandoned building, and then brutally killed by the zombie devil. He was literally cut and torn to pieces with Pochita, and then thrown in the dumpster. In a remarkable twist of fate and a sacrifice that is rare amongst devils, Pochita merges with Denji in a moment of desperation and loyalty, subsequently resurrecting Denji as Chainsaw Man. This new form grants him extraordinary powers, enabling him to defeat devils with surprising ease and ferocity.
The Public Safety Devil Hunters
After his extraordinary revival, Denji finds himself recruited by the Public Safety Devil Hunters, an organization dedicated to combating devils and protecting society from their malevolence. This new chapter in Denji's life introduces him to a cast of intriguing characters, including Makima who leads the Devil Hunters and becomes Denji's romantic interest. Other important characters include fellow Devil Hunters: Power, Aki, Himeno, Kobeni, and several others along the way. As he integrates into this new team, Denji is exposed to a lifestyle that allows him to indulge in simple, yet profound, pleasures, such as enjoying delicious food and having a place to call home. He even goes as far as to make deals with some of the women on the team to fulfill a few sexual fantasies (though the first kiss he receives ends in him taking back puke like a baby bird-yuck!). However, this newfound comfort comes at a cost, as he is thrust deeper into the brutal world of devil hunting. The dangers he faces grow exponentially at this point.
The Wins & Losses
Throughout Season 1, Denji and his team face formidable foes like the Bat Devil, Leech Devil, and Eternity Devil, showcasing their strength and Denji's growth as a fighter. His relationships with Power and Aki deepen, teaching him about teamwork, loyalty, and trust. Denji grows close to Himeno, as they confide in each other and showcase mutual support for each of their romantic pursuits—Himeno's interest is Aki, while Denji's is Makima. However, chaos ensues when unknown Devil Hunters allied with the infamous Gun Devil go on the attack, killing several of Denji's comrades. In addition to that, an attempt on Makima's life is made. From this encounter, Aki is nearly killed by the Snake and Katana Devil Hunters until Himeno sacrifices herself to the Ghost Devil to save him. As she passes away, she awakens Denji's Chainsaw Man form to fight the others but it proves ineffective and he is captured. It is not until we see Makima come forth (who was seemingly dead as we saw her get shot in the head!) and display the strength of her power. From Kyoto she successfully kills several of the opponents who are in Tokyo just by having someone else say their name aloud. This becomes the first instance we see Makima's power in action, and yet its still difficult to pinpoint her exact devil power. Afer this, Kobeni successfully rescues Denji from the Snake Devil Hunter.
The Intrigue of Makima
As the story unfolds, Makima becomes even more intriguing, with her true motives wrapped in mystery and ambiguity. Initially, she appears as a supportive mentor, guiding and encouraging Denji and his fellow devil hunters. However, her seemingly kind demeanor hides a darker agenda, and her manipulative behavior intensifies, creating thrilling tension within the group. Denji's complex emotions towards Makima add another exciting layer to the story, as he navigates feelings of admiration, confusion, and even some suspicion. He is drawn to her charisma and the security she offers, yet its unclear if he understands the power she holds over him at this time.
The Finale
The season concludes in a manner that lets the story develop, yet gently arrives at its end with some cliffhangers still in place. Firstly, it's important to note that Aki loses his ability to call upon the Fox Devil so he makes a new contract with the Future Devil, and all that he owes it is a home in his right eye. He and Kobeni end up defeating and capturing the Snake Devil Hunter, while Denji defeats the Katana Devil Hunter.
The Snake Devil hunter ends up being killed by her own devil to prevent her from speaking about the Gun Devil (or so we can assume). And overall, all seems rather well until we see Denji having a dream. In the dream, we hear Pochita tell Denji NEVER to open the door in his dream, leading viewers to wonder what exactly is behind it. In addition, we learn that the remains of the Snake Devil Hunter had enough flesh from the Gun Devil to pinpoint the Gun Devil's location, setting the stage for further installments. This conclusion leaves fans on a cliffhanger, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Reze Arc Movie Trailer
From the trailer, we can conclude that Denji will have two romantic interests--Makima and the new character, Reze. The introduction of Reze, a character who significantly influences Denji's life, adds new layers to the story. The stunning visuals highlight the series' signature animation style, and fans can expect action sequences that are even more adrenaline-pumping. We can also anticipate more foreshadowing and information regarding the mysterious Makima.
What to Expect from Reze Arc
The Reze Arc is poised to further explore Denji's emotional struggles and his complex relationships. As he navigates his feelings for Reze, viewers should brace for a blend of romance, betrayal, and high-stakes action. With stakes higher than ever, the film promises to investigate the darker facets of Denji's character, creating an experience that balances thrilling action with deep storytelling.
Get Ready for a Thrilling Experience
Grab your tickets soon and prepare for an exhilarating cinematic journey that will push the boundaries of storytelling within the anime realm. Whether you're a long-time fan or just starting this journey, the Reze Arc promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
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